Waldorf, MD asked in Child Support for Maryland

Q: The non-custodial parent has voluntarily taken a lower paying job and is modifying child support. Can the order change?

I see online that it isn't enough to show a change of circumstances...is this true? This information is on "wiki how" and the internet lies. Since getting this other job, there has been no child support paid. I just told the dept of social services I wouldn't agree to a consent order lowering child support and they said the closest court date would be 2-3 months. If I don't agree, I won't get support until then and I'm not sure how I'll manage, especially if the court upholds the dept of social services' suggestion.

A little more information--Also, the non-custodial parent has chosen not to see the child in 8 months and the child is with me all the time, except when I'm working. The previous custody order from three years ago has the other parent seeing the child every other weekend and for several weeks during the summer, both of which the non-custodial parent has failed to utilize.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Elizabeth Pugliese
Elizabeth Pugliese
Answered
  • Rockville, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: The child support under the current order remains due and owing until changed by another Order. The other person still has to pay the full amount currently ordered. If they do not, they can be held in contempt. Taking a lower paying job without a good reason, may not result in a lower child support amount. You should consult with an attorney about your options.

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